Recall 24V401 covers 27 2024-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner school buses for tie rod separation. Free repair at franchised Thomas Built Buses dealers.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 27 2024-2025 Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Efx school buses because the front axle tie rod ball joint studs can crack and break. A separated tie rod can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The front axle tie rod assembly on the 2024-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Efx connects the steering linkage to the front wheels. Inside that assembly, ball joint studs let the linkage pivot as the suspension moves while still holding the steering connection together. The system depends on those studs having the correct hardness and strength.
On affected buses, some tie rod end ball studs were not heat treated correctly by a sub-supplier. Heat treatment is the controlled heating and cooling process that gives the metal its required strength. Because a suspect batch was mixed into tie rod assemblies, a stud can crack and break. If that happens, the tie rod separates instead of keeping the steering linkage connected.
There is no warning sign before failure. A bus that seems normal during inspection or driving can still have a suspect tie rod assembly if its VIN is included.
Who's affected?
Covers the Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Efx across the 2024 and 2025 model years, all with the same tie rod assembly.
| 2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 27 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Tie rod separation can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before separation, so schedule the recall repair soon and limit use until the bus has been inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx or Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free tie rod assembly replacement that fixes the tie rod separation risk.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 24V401 when you call.
- Limit operation until the repair is complete, because tie rod separation can cause a sudden loss of steering control.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 800-745-8000 with questions and reference Thomas Built Buses recall D24R6.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician replaces the tie rod assembly covered by recall 24V401. The repair addresses the front axle tie rod ball joint studs and the risk of tie rod separation. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related tie rod repair before the owner letter, the reimbursement plan in the notice directs owners to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers. Bring the notice and prior repair paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 4, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| June 24, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 25, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 3, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V401?
Recall 24V401 covers 27 2024-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Efx school buses with front axle tie rod ball joint studs that can crack and break, causing tie rod separation. Dealers will replace the tie rod assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2024-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 or Saf-T-Liner Efx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 24V401. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule tie rod assembly replacement. Reference recall number 24V401 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Daimler Trucks North America says dealers will replace the tie rod assembly free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What is the safety risk?
Tie rod separation can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase crash risk. The defect involves the front axle tie rod ball joint studs, which can crack and break. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before returning the bus to normal service.
When were owners notified about recall 24V401?
Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2024. If you manage or own one of these buses and never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer with recall number 24V401.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V401000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 800-745-8000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V401 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V401000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →